An autistic man and his parents are suing a school, alleging it failed to protect him from a violent classmate.

Travis Ferguson and his parents, Alia Kiefer and Terry Ferguson, filed a lawsuit Sept. 9 in Cook County Circuit Court against Elim Christian Services in Palos Heights, formerly known as Elim Christian School, and teachers Jane Gizyn and Amanda Schultz-Griffin.

According to the lawsuit, on Jan. 9, 2014, Travis Ferguson was seated next to a classmate who had a tendency for violent outbursts. The suit says the classmate knocked over his desk, which landed on Ferguson’s foot.

As a result, the suit says, Ferguson experienced seizures, great physical pain and severe injuries to his foot, including a permanent limp. The lawsuit alleges the defendants failed to take precautions to protect Ferguson from harm.

The plaintiffs seek damages of more than $50,000. They are represented by attorney Richard J. Wasik of the Law Office of Richard J. Wasik in Chicago.